Yes it's a good deal--almost too good to be true. If you read the posts on here often, you'll see many readers who've done this and discovered the mechanic wasn't nearly as skilled as he claimed. Most of the people who write in say that the guy replaced a bunch of parts that didn't fix the problem, that they never got their cars fixed right and that it's in pieces in their driveway.

Of course, we don't hear about the success stories. So just be cautious and don't give the guy a blank check to start throwing parts at the problem. Check out his credentials and get references.

If you had a relationship with a mechanic in your neighborhood, you might be able to get the diagnosis for free - but without that, $40, and he is coming to you (saving you time and money) sounds like a pretty good deal. Especially since he is willing to put the $40 toward the repair.

"Post sounds good" Anything can be said or written but it doesn't make it the truth. You might consider checking with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) to see if there are any complaints about him or his business. You might also want to ask to see a copy of his merchant's license, liability insurance, and ask if he is bonded. If he cannot show you at least his merchant's license/city license, and a copy of his liability insurance, I wouldn't want him near my vehicle. He says he is certified, ask to see a copy of his ASE license or diploma. I am not saying he is playing a game or not being truthful to you because he may very well be an honest and truthful person out trying to make a living for himself and his family. However, you do not know him or anything about him or his work. You need to do your homework before you have him come out. If he doesn't have any insurance, or a city/merchant's license, there is most likely a reason. If he cuts corners with insurance and license, what corners will he cut on your vehicle? If he has no insurance and does something wrong to your vehicle, your only way of getting any money to fix your vehicle would be to sue him. At least if he has insurance, you can file a claim on his insurance. Just be very careful with this, and remember where you found his ad.

LOL!!!!!! He found him on Craigslist. LOL!!!

UM, not to be mean here but pretty much ALL garages & dealerships charge a certain fee & apply it to the repairs. Some charge $30.00 & others charge $100.00. ASE Certified doesnt mean a cotton picking thing. I know a lot of people that are ASE certified & cant fix a dang thing. I'm master ASE certified with L1, couldnt repair a transmission since I dont work on them but I have an ASE in transmissions.

I just hope you understand what your getting yourself in to there. I hope for your sake you make sure this person shows you some sort of insurance so if he burns your car to the ground, that someone other than you will pay for the damages. I hope he isnt one of those that got fired from a dealership or garage for leaving the drain plug loose or wrecking cars

I hope you dont forget there have been some bad people posting on CL so make sure you keep your gun close by

sophisticated task browse at yahoo this can assist

A mobile mechanic is going to charge me $40 to check a problem on my car, and if there are repairs to be done, then the $40 will go towards that repair.

Is that a good deal? knowing that he is coming to me to help check my car.

He is ASE certified and found him on craigslist (post sounds good)

Please let me know!